(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – There are names in the automotive world that immediately evoke mud, sand, and indestructible mechanics. The Mitsubishi Pajero is such a rugged little guy. It has been five years since the Japanese retired their traditional flagship from global markets in 2021.
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But now the well-known off-roader, which made a huge footprint especially through rally appearances at the Dakar, is returning to the world stage. In autumn 2026, the Mitsubishi Pajero is set to celebrate its world premiere as a genuine off-road vehicle. The Japanese now show a first teaser. That development is already in full swing and the prototypes are racking up serious miles is proven by past spy shots.
The teaser also clears up previous speculations. Contrary to rumors, Mitsubishi is refraining from experiments with unibody constructions in the new edition. The new Pajero uses the robust ladder frame of the current Triton pickup. For use in the enclosed off-road vehicle, this chassis is specifically modified, however.
The passenger cell is a complete in-house development, as are the front and rear suspensions. With this, Mitsubishi is taking a much more classic approach than expected. The vehicle is still supposed to perform well in tough terrain but not bounce like a stubborn truck on the road. According to Mitsubishi, driving comfort and off-road capabilities should be balanced.
As bulky as a Defender?
What camouflage and teaser still conceal, our exclusive rendering has already revealed. The new edition says goodbye to soft lines and relies on a massive, angular front. Inspired by newer design studies, vertical LED headlights dominate in combination with a continuous light strip. A large slatted grille and a hefty underride guard will also prominently stage the new face.
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Images by: Mitsubishi
Photo series: Mitsubishi Pajero (2026): First teaser for the off-roader’s return
The silhouette still remains true to the classic Pajero: tall, boxy, and with generous, angular window surfaces – almost a bit Land Rover Defender-like. At the rear, the spy shots show a steep, vertical window paired with horizontal taillights.
Mitsubishi is currently silent on exact technical data, final prices, or planned engines. But if we look at the Triton sibling, a powerful diesel engine with all-wheel drive, reduction gear, and locks is likely the choice.
For example, the pickup’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel delivers 150 kW (204 hp) and 470 Nm of torque. Since Mitsubishi also has to consider strict emissions regulations, electrification via plug-in hybrid would certainly be conceivable.
For this, the Japanese could draw on the drivetrain of the current Outlander PHEV, which combines its 2.4-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors – then certainly with a battery around 20 kWh to enable decent electric ranges in kilometers.
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More about the Mitsubishi Pajero:
Mitsubishi Pajero (L040, 1982-1990): The off-road legend turns 40
Mitsubishi shows Kei-Car in the look of the first Pajero from 1982
